The challenge

Replace old diesel engines with new tech

Gold Fields were looking to retire their bank of diesel generators at the Granny Smith gold mine in Laverton. We’d been trialling gas engines over the previous 18 months. A new gas extension was being built nearby. A need plus a new and better technology, plus an accessible fuel source? It was the perfect alignment of time and opportunity.

We proposed a 22 MV gas power station, with fuel drawn from the new gas extension, powered by our new gas-fired Osprey engines. Ultimately, this meant Gold Fields could make significant cost savings while reducing their carbon footprint at the same time.

Project fact file

24
MW

Power generation

20-foot

Containers used

80,000 /
6 years

CO2 emissions reduction

7.4
million

Ounces of gold produced

300,000

Ounces of gold in 2015 alone

The solution

Reliable Osprey engines

We had been trailing larger gas
engines over the previous 18 months
and these were chosen in favour of the
standard QSK60 generators.
We proposed using modified highefficiency
gas-fuelled Osprey engines
in 20 foot containers, which meant we
were able to offer savings in fuel costs.

The smaller containers also create
a smaller environmental footprint
compared to competitors, who tend
to provide equipment in 40 feet
containers, which are more expensive
to transport.

Aggreko has more efficient Ospreys
than anywhere else in the world, and
incorporated further technology to
improve reduction of gas pressure to
offset the cooling down process.

A heat recovery system replaces the
electric heaters. We are taking the
heat from the Osprey jackets and
using it to heat the gas. This represents
a large cost saving for Gold Fields.

the aggreko difference

We combine a 'can do' attitude with a willingness to explore new technologies.

The impact

Fuel costs and CO2 emissions much lower than before

The project was initially constrained by
the high pressure of the gas, which was
at 90 Bars.
Our ability to build a high pressure
reduction facility meant we could
reduce the construction time and get
the new plant commissioned quickly,
thereby reducing operational costs.

The new power station will also reduce
the mine’s carbon dioxide emissions
by approximately 80,000 tonnes over
six years, and enable Gold Fields to
trade carbon credits with the Australian
Government’s Emission Reduction Fund.

“When the opportunity arose to tee gas off from the pipeline, Aggreko provided the most competitive solution combined with some innovative technical approaches which improved efficiency, saved costs and led to cleaner working practices.”